A1GP reveals season five calendar

A1GP announces the calendar for its fifth season of competition, with a nine date schedule

Despite continued speculation around its future, bosses of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has revealed a nine-date calendar for the fifth season of the nation versus nation series.

The season will begin in October with the first A1 event at Surfers Paradise in Australia, with China and Malaysia also hosting events prior to Christmas. South Africa will kick-start the 2010 leg of the season followed by trips to Brazil and Mexico, before the series returns to Europe for events in Portugal, Germany and the season finale in Holland.

As well as revealing the new calendar, A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira also confirmed that a deal has been agreed with IMG Sports Media to help with marketing worldwide media rights for the next three seasons.

"I have always had a long wish list of deals we wanted to make our series one of the most well known on the sporting calendar," Teixeira said. "A deal such as this was at the top of it, and to be associated with IMG Sports Media is just what we needed to ensure we have the best possible representation in this highly competitive market. The plans they have for us are exciting and innovative.

"It is easy to put out a calendar too soon and then have to make changes. I wanted to make sure we avoided that and so give our broadcasters, teams and fans something realistic. I also wanted to make sure the racing was good and varied. I am confident this calendar, that may still include at least one more event, will achieve our criteria for the series."